Henry J turns his gaze on Europe...

[56jnr]

It seems that with the launch in April of Gibson Europe as the central distributor, the strict stocking criteria demanded in the American model are going to be applied here also.
Several store owners I have spoken to will stop stocking Gibson guitars and accessories when ridiculous stipulations such as having to have 45% of wall space devoted to Gibson guitars come into play.
I really, really have tried hard to understand HJ's reasoning behind this strategy but all I can see it achieving is no Gibson guitars in the smaller stores-which are predominant in the UK-and a very few large dealers carrying Gibson stock.

I know this subect has been thrashed to death but I wonder if HJ and his marketing crew really understand the guitar marketing infrastructure in Europe where the small store is the rule rather than the exception.

 

[MikeSlub]

I know this subect has been thrashed to death but I wonder if HJ and his marketing crew really understand the guitar marketing infrastructure in Europe where the small store is the rule rather than the exception.

Sure he does - he just wants all the small stores' guitar stock to consist of at least 45% Gibsons! :rofl :fc

 

[access]

I know this is a rant that will recieve criticism here, but here goes anyway. The world of guitar players, with some enthusiasts excluded, view Gibson as just another guitar.

I believe henry realizes this and is preparing for a huge downturn once the boomer generation slows down on buying his products. He is saving on sales reps by having only "corporate" accounts, he will save on production costs by increasing the number of "scrub" offerings such as BFG's, Melody makers, faded stuff, etc. and jack the hell out of prices until boomers stop buying.

Also by positioning his product in stores that only lemmings, soccer moms and sheeple frequent he can look legitamate in a world dominated by more affordable products that offer higher consistancy quality control, and constant upgrades versus his view of just making the same ole thing just with a different "hat".

What most in this forum want, but some wont admit, is the classic model Gibsons from 1930s-1960s. Those guitars were on the forefront of what players wanted and needed, and were built in a high quality no compromise way for the most part at a price consistent with the market of the time.

I know that the original models are very expensive now, and out of the hands of most players, but playing into Henrys egomaniacal greed by buying a re-issue for whatever ridiculous price wont change that. The re-issues ARE NOT THE SAME and never will be. Granted a Historic makeover brings it closer, as does changing out the electronics etc, but at 30%+ of that price you could have had a custom builder craft one from scratch exactly to your specs.

Some will also argue that the resale value wont be as good on a custom build. Have you seen what used r9's are going for? usually 50% less than what you paid for them, is that good resale?

Gibson doesn't have 50% market share, they dont make GC hang 50% gibson on the wall, this is an outright attack on independent retailers. There is a double standard in dealing with the inde retailers. Best Buy is a freakin Gibson dealer now! As is costco! But Daves guitars cant show pictures of his inventory.

People complain about Chinese people, Indian people and mexicans "stealin' their jobs". They praise Gibson for being a good American company and yet do nothing about Gibson's outright hatred for what runs more than 80% of this country's economy, independent owned business.

 

[loufed52]

I have no desire to buy any more new Gibsons.
With a very few exceptions, they will never be collectible, there are just too many of them.
You can buy a '60s SG, LP, or 3x5 that is better than anything that Gibson is putting out now for not a lot of money, and they will hold their value far better.

I can see buying a modern used Gibson for general use, but not a new one.